Learn to Fly a Helicopter

WhenDo I choose a date?

If you are giving an experience as a gift, your recipient will be able to book a date that is convenient for them.

If you would like to book on their behalf or book an experience for yourself, you will be prompted to submit a date after checkout. Please reference the Availability section below to view the schedule for this experience.

Description:
Your experience begins with a pre-flight briefing where your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) will explain how the helicopter flies, and how the flight controls work.

After the briefing, you will be taken out to a state of the art Robinson 22 or Robinson 44 helicopter where your instructor will explain the main components and strap you in for your first flying lesson.

Your instructor will talk you through the start-up procedure and take-off and once airborne, will hand the controls over to you. Now, here comes the exciting part - you are flying the helicopter!

What to Wear:
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for weather conditions.

Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 7-14 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy:
Prior to scheduling/booking a date for this experience, Cloud 9's standard return and exchange policy shall apply. Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given. Rescheduling is allowed up to 14 days prior to your experience, failure to appear on your booked date or to reschedule at least 14 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience. In the event your experience is canceled due to inclement weather you will reschedule your experience directly with your experience provider.

To fly in the R-22 helicopter the participant must weigh no more than 220 lbs, and to fly in the R-44 helicopter the participant must weigh no more than 300 lbs.

Can I bring a passenger?

No, only one person per helicopter.

Do I need previous experience?

No, this hands on lesson is designed for beginners.

What if my flight is cancelled due to weather?

We always recommend contacting your pilot on the day of your experience if you have any concerns regarding weather. In the event your flight is cancelled due to weather you can reschedule directly with your pilot.

Customer Reviews:

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

August 29, 2016

5

Detroit

By: Greg H

"Great experience! For many years, I wanted to get some helicopter flight instruction. The experience provided was far above what was expected! The instructor, Myrl, was a true professional. He explained exactly what the experience would be. During the pre-flight, he explained the process completely. Although I have previous flight experience and am familiar with the basic process, Myrl never took any shortcuts or took anything for granted. During warm-up, Myrl explained the differences between airplane flight and helicopter flight. Once we got tower clearance, we were off! After a few simple instructions, Myrl allowed me to fly the helicopter. He was always there when needed but basically allowed me to fly. We spent about an hour flying, flew over familiar landmarks and had a really great time. Our weather and visibility were terrific, which added to the experience. This was a great experience and I would recommend it for anyone who really wants a "hands-on" helicopter flight experience."

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

August 22, 2016

5

Detroit

By: Deric G

"My wife got me this "Learn to Fly a Helicopter" as a Christmas present. At the time, I was 20 lbs over the weight limit to fly the R-22. This gave me great incentive to get back into shape. A few months and 32 lbs lighter, I booked my experience. I met with Alan who (after a brief discussion) took me out on the flight line looking at the aircraft. I was a little stunned when he had me do the start-up procedures and explained the controls. In less than 5 minutes after lift-off, he had me controlling and flying the helicopter! Yikes! Helicopters are not airplanes, and if you screw up by not keeping the energy and RPM's in the rotors, there is very little room for recovery and you'll drop out of the sky. Alan was very calm as we set down in a grassy area (surrounded by trees) to practice hovering. Being only 10-20 feet off the ground may sound nice, but when he had me controlling the cyclic and rudders, I didn't want to send us into the trees. We flew up and out, checking the sights north of Detroit before coming back in for a great landing. The controls are very sensitive, and for anyone going for this experience, I say relax your hands on your legs as you maneuver the collective and cyclic sticks. I was able to take a break, and take some great photographs of my experience. Thanks to Alan, the helicopter company, and Cloud 9 Living; I am looking into taking more experiences and perhaps some flying lessons!!"

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

October 20, 2015

5

Detroit

By: Greg T

"It was lots of fun. Allen, the instructor, was patient and very good."

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

June 10, 2015

5

Detroit

By: Jeff S

"When I arrived at Magnum Helicopters office, I went inside and found myself in the hangar area. That was so cool! The reception area is at one end of the hangar, but the setup is such that you are in contact with the pilots and helicopters from the second you walk in the door. I was encouraged to look around, and within a few minutes the pilot who was going to be taking me on the flight joined me near the R44 helicopter. He showed me around the aircraft and explained everything he was doing, and I was able to fully participate in the pre-flight inspection. As soon as we guided the helicopter out of the hanger, he told me to climb in. We went over the control basics, and I started the engine. Within a few minutes we were cleared for take off to begin one of the coolest adventures I've ever been on. Not only is Alan a great instructor, he is also remarkably well-relaxed. He was patient and explained everything in a way that I was able to understand, even though I had never flown a helicopter before. I'd recommend this 5-star experience for anyone who is looking for a unique adventure and an exciting challenge. It was something I've always wanted to do, and will likely do again very soon. Thanks to Alan and Magnum Helicopters for a wonderful day!"

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

March 26, 2015

5

Detroit

By: Louis I

"Alan was amazing. Thank you so much! I was flying a helicopter! Wonderful birthday gift and great instructions during all process!!"

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

July 08, 2014

5

Detroit

By: Sam P

" My wife got me a Helicopter Flying Lesson for Christmas and I was thrilled. (she gave me a remote control toy helicopter with the gift certificate as a joke :) This was our second Cloud 9 Experience and it was absolutely incredible; the most excellent adventure ever. I highly recommend it to anyone. Cloud 9 did a wonderful job coordinating the arrangements; very professional and efficient. Our pilot Chuck from Magnum Helicopters was awesome, very knowledgeable, capable and laid back. He immediately put us at ease. Chuck explained the workings of the helicopter in a very easy to understand fashion and the next thing I knew we were airborne. It was a beautiful day as we flew through the air and took turns manning the controls. We flew over the beautiful landscape with familiar landmarks including our own house! Needless to say we took lots of fabulous pictures from a bird's eye view. All in all it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. I'm thinking about getting my pilots license as a result and learning to fly the friendly skies on my own. "

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

August 19, 2013

5

Detroit

By: John B

"The flight went very well and the instructor was very professional.Overall I feel he did an excellent job."

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

October 08, 2012

5

Detroit

By: Jay T

"It was the greatest! The pilot was great and very friendly. Thanks to all."

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

September 29, 2012

5

Detroit

By: Adam K

"I didn't actually do the helicopter lesson. After speaking with the rep from the helicopter business, I chose to take an air tour down to Detroit and back. With this option, I was able to take my wife along as well as enjoy the scenery rather than try to figure out the controls and worry about crashing the bird. I really enjoyed the ride as did my wife."

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

October 24, 2011

4-half

Detroit

By: Steve G

"This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The "Learning to Fly a Helicopter" was amazing! When I actually took the stick, I was thrilled, terrified and excited....all at the same time! My instructor was right there, and was wonderful. My wife got pictures of me flying over the house, as I was taking pictures of her from the air! What a day!!! I would recommend Cloud 9 to anyone. Thank you Cloud 9 Living!!!
Steve Gwisdalla"

Learn to Fly a Helicopter

August 01, 2011

5

Detroit

By: Connor E

"This was a birthday present, and was without a doubt, one of the best experiences I have had in my life. The flight instructor was unbelievably calm, and really encouraged me to have a hands on experience. After giving me instructions, he let me decide where I wanted to fly and with his guidance I actually flew and landed the helicopter."